Why Are Consumers Demanding More Organic Milk

The demand for organic milk has increased all over the world. No, this is not with reference to the increased demand for the product that occurred in 2000-2001. This is about the present - 2006.

So, why is the demand for organic milk increasing? The answer lies in the benefits of organic milk. Consumers are demanding more organic milk due to its enhanced health benefits.

Research conducted at the University of Aberdeen, and the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research have shown that organic milk has more Omega 3 than non-organic milk. So consumers can now just replace their regular milk with organic milk and do away with those Omega 3 supplements or fish oil capsules.

Similarly, research conducted at the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Newcastle has shown that organic milk is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Vitamin A is essential for a good eye-sight, and Vitamin E protects body cells from free radicals and delays ageing.

Organic milk also has more Conjugated Linoleic Acidl (CLA) than non-organic milk, as it has become mandatory to graze the organic cows on pastures unless weather forces the farmer to interfere. Now cows that graze on pastures have higher concentrations of CLAs in their milk than fodder-fed cows.

There was always a lack of evidence that organic food is better than conventional or non-organic food and all the benefits of organic food over non-organic food were strong beliefs of the producers and consumers in the wellness of organic food production methodologies.

However, the research findings on health benefits of organic milk have firmed the beliefs of consumers who are now demanding more organic milk. Health conscious people have also shifted to organic milk resulting in a shortage of the product.

However, the increased health benefits of organic milk are not the only reasons for this surge in demand. People are also questioning the factory mode production of organic dairy products. Many people now believe that livestock have good health when they are left in the open. Confined animals are more prone to diseases and hence the increased chances of BSE cases.

Consumers are also becoming conscious of animal rights and do not wish to be part of the extensive cruelty imparted to confined livestock. Since organic milk production involves certain aspects of animal welfare, these consumers have shifted to organic milk even if it costs more.

Kiran Patil is a chemical engineer and an expert on organic food and organic farming. Visit his website at www.organicfacts.net

[tags]organic milk,organic milk demand,omega 3,benefits of organic milk,benefits,vitamin,CLA,health[/tags]

Healthy Dinners Begin With Healthy Beef

With more than two-thirds of Americans classified as overweight or obese, consumers are looking for new ways to lead a healthy lifestyle, while still eating the foods they love. The latest United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database shows that 19 cuts of beef meet government guidelines for lean beef 1, including many of America's favorites like tenderloin, T-bone steak and 95 percent lean ground beef. And, 12 of these lean beef cuts have, on average, only one more gram or less of saturated fat than a skinless chicken breast, per 3-ounce serving.

Low Fat Meat Cuts Reflect Current Demand for Healthy Beef

"This new data illustrates how beef is changing – it's simply not your father's steak anymore," said Mary K. Young, M.S., R.D., executive director, nutrition, National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). "In fact, many people are surprised to learn that some of their favorite beef cuts are lean."

In addition, the updated version of the USDA Nutrient Database indicates that many low fat meat cuts are 20 percent leaner than they were 14 years ago. And, according to new research, consumers are increasingly choosing low fat beef in the grocery aisle when shopping for healthy dinners. In fact, 68 percent of all muscle cuts sold at retail and 17 of the top 20 most popular whole muscle cuts meet government guidelines for low fat beef.

The 19 lean cuts, beginning with the leanest, include: eye round roast, top round steak, mock tender steak, bottom round roast, top sirloin steak, round tip roast, 95 percent lean ground beef, brisket (flat half), shank crosscuts, chuck shoulder roast, arm pot roast, shoulder steak, top loin (strip or New York) steak, flank steak, ribeye steak, rib steak, tri-tip roast, tenderloin steak, and T-bone steak.

"There are now so many lean options for people who enjoy the great taste of beef," said Richard Chamberlain, chef and proprietor, Chamberlain's Restaurants and board member, Texas American Heart Association. "Many of the most popular cuts in my restaurants, like top sirloin, tenderloin and top loin, are some of the leanest cuts available. Today, you don't have to sacrifice taste and enjoyment when trying to eat healthy."

These 19 beef cuts meet government guidelines for lean with less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. Beyond lean beef's favorable fat profile, beef is – and has always been – a nutrient-rich powerhouse. Just one 3-ounce serving of beef is an excellent source of five essential nutrients: protein, zinc, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorous, and a good source of four essential nutrients: niacin, vitamin B6, iron and riboflavin.

In addition, beef's fat profile is generally misunderstood. Half the fatty acids in a 3-ounce serving of lean beef are monounsaturated fatty acids – the same heart-healthy kind found in olive oil that research shows may have cholesterol-lowering abilities. And, one third of the saturated fat in beef is a unique fatty acid called stearic acid, which has been found to have a neutral or cholesterol-lowering effect.

"Research shows lean beef can play the same role as skinless chicken or fish in a cholesterol-lowering diet," said Dayle Hayes, M.S., R.D., member of the Council for Women's Nutrition Solutions (CWNS). "In addition, beef provides essential nutrients that can have a positive effect on some of today's major health issues like weight management and bone health."

Don Seger manages news and information for Fairbury Steaks. For more information on premium beef, premium pork, quality seafood and other fine meats, visit http://www.fairburysteaks.com

[tags]lean beef, healthy beef, low fat meat ctus, low fat beef, healthy dinners[/tags]

How To Put On A Great BBQ

Want to throw a party for extraordinary event, and then barbecue party is the one of the type that will make the whole event a memorable one! As eating outdoors is a much loved activity liked by everyone and planning the event can help make it more memorable and tranquil for the host. A barbecue party requires an adequate amount of planning and preparation to ensure that everything is laid out properly whether big or small. The very first thing that you should plan about is the theme of the party that could range from Hawaiian motif, nostalgic seventies get-together, or, if you are near the sea, opt for a beach barbecue party and then plan all aspects of the party such as the food, games and decorations can be fashioned around a central theme.

The other important aspect of the party is planning the menu, as most guests will be looking forward to an array of lip-smacking roasted meats dripping in barbecue sauce, it should be inline with the theme of the party.

Barbecue on the Beach Anyone?

Barbecue bash on the beach could be one memorable event that your guests will be looking for from you in future as well. The whole process of grilling and barbecuing as a cooking technique is that it's fun, exciting and very rewarding and if done on beach, it is certainly going to double the enjoyment, as the beach pretty much radiates the same atmosphere. You can also plan some interesting games and add extra fun and exciting to the activities that you do at the beach. It's a place where people can be themselves in their 'bare essentials' and the relaxation factor is definitely rewarding. Putting these two brilliant concepts together, a barbecue on the beach is pretty much a recipe for a great time!

Make before you pack your stuff, gear up your grill and hit the sand for one hell of a barbecue on the beach party sure that you are aware of the various safety procedures and other rules governing beach areas and if not so it would be best to consult authorities and secure the proper permissions before you even think about organizing a beach barbecue party.

Once you have finalized on the venue the next step in line would be preparing for your barbecue on the beach. There are various grill types that you may use for barbecuing on the beach - you have the wood or charcoal grill, gas grill or you may also use a campfire tripod. Be sure to station your grill in a stable spot, away from any flammable material and secure from people probably knocking into it.

Bring your marinated meat, poultry or seafood in a cooler and take them out only when you're ready to start barbecuing to avoid spoilage. Further, the last seasoning you would want on your barbecue on the beach is sand right? So keep them covered!

And of course, don't forget to pack those barbecue sauces and hot sauces to spice up your barbecue dishes. Treat yourself and your friends' taste buds to their line of extremely hot products; they would definitely go well with a good beer. Now that's what I call one unforgettable barbecue on the beach party!

Jakob Culver is founder of the website – Nutritional Food Info and has a solid background in health and nutrition education. To find out more information about this topic visit our website.

[tags]bbq, health, food, sausage, steak, meat, healthy, health food, nutrition, barbecue, barbecues[/tags]

Organic Restaurants Alabama

Because we understand the importance of Organic food with what we cook or where we choose to eat that we wanted to make it easier to find those places that serve organic food. There is an understanding, finally that is spreading throughout the country that genetically altered food, and all of the additives and hormones and other chemicals are creating disease, old age and poor nutrition. we hope this helps to support those that are serving and selling organic food and drink, and those who wish to buy organic.

Organic Restaurants - ALABAMA

Caribbean House
2612B Jordan Ln
Huntsville, AL 35816
205-837-1230
Vegetarian/Vegan

Garden Cove
628 Meridian St North
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-534-2683
Mostly organic

Golden Temple
1901 11th Ave
Birmingham, AL 35205
205-933-6333
Grocery/Bakery/Deli/Juice/Organic produce

Hot and Hot Fish Club
2180 11th Ct. South
Birmingham, AL 35205
205-933-5474
Fresh homegrown local produce, seasonal menu
www.hotandhotfishclub.com

Jerusalem Café
5773 Airport Blvd
Mobile, AL 36608
334-304-1155

Our Daily Bread
2413 B Jordan Ln Northwest
Huntsville, AL 35816
256-722-9696
Mostly vegetarian

Purple Onion
1550 Montegomery Hwy Ste P
Hoover, AL 35216
205-822-7322
Restaurant, Deli, Grill
www.purpleonionofhoover.com

The Standard Bistro
3 Mt. Laurel Lane
Birmingham, AL 35242
205-995-0512
Uses local organic produce and meats

TBO Deli
5510 Hwy 280
Birmingham, AL 35242
205-995-8888
Organic juice bar - smoothies, raw living food daily special

Michele Michaels has been active in raising awareness for alternative and natural methods of curing and treating all manner of illnesses.

You can also access the whole of the site at http://www.drclarkuniversity.blogspot.com/ (we will continue to update) and for more information on curing disease with out drugs/surgery or in combination with traditional medicine go to drclarkuniversity.com

[tags]Organic,organic food,natural cures,Dr. Hulda Clark,Cancer,alternative health, alabama,breast cancer[/tags]

Benefits Of Garlic Juice

Benefits of garlic are numerous. Garlic, like the onion, has a powerful effect on healing wounds and is also very good as a disinfectant. The old Greeks placed garlic on stones at cross roads as a dinner for their triple goddess Hecate who was Diana on earth, Phoebe in heaven and Proserpine in hell.

As with horseradish, it is difficult to juice garlic in the machine because of the strong essential oils which can only be removed with the greatest difficulty. So we crush it and the resulting liquid is easily incorporated into juices or taken in small amounts by itself.

In 1936 Caspari demonstrated in the laboratory that garlic can destroy the bacterium staphylococcus and that this might be the basis for the use of garlic as a medicine. Later on studies with animals demonstrated the effect of garlic in improving the condition of arteriosclerosis whilst at the same time bringing down the blood-pressure.

Garlic acts well against cataract, particularly in smokers, and for colds. Like onion juice, one dessertspoonful of garlic in half a pint of warm water (10ml in 275ml water) is a recognized remedy for worms in children. One suspects that children in Mediterranean countries must be well protected against worms, and statistics show that their parents have a lower incidence of heart disease than most Europeans, all of which helps to confirm the therapeutic value of this bulb.

The great benefit from garlic was demonstrated in a controlled trial on sufferers from long-standing intestinal disorders such as persistent diarrhea with accompanying headaches. These symptoms disappeared in the patients having garlic juice, but even more importantly, an entirely fresh and improved quality was found in the intestinal flora, those bacteria which aid the digestion of food.

Garlic juice has been used beneficially for many conditions including those mentioned already plus tuberculosis, entercolitis and amoebic dysentery. It is an expectorant as well as assisting asthma and bronchitis.

Garlic and garlic juice has been used as a medicine for some 5,000 years and we would be misguided not to use it on account of the smell. If you cannot bear to use it with your juices than take garlic in the form of capsules which do not dissolve until they have reached the intestine

Garlic is by far the best common food source of germanium. Containing around 750 parts per million. It also seems to be better at concentrating selenium than most other fruits and vegetables, supplying 20 micrograms per100g. The exact quantity of these elements will depend on where your garlic was grown as some soils have richer supplies than others. Both germanium and selenium are considered to be important antioxidants.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies which include juices of beet, avocado, garlic.

[tags]natural home remedies, home remedies, natural remedies, health and beauty, garlic juice[/tags]

Whole Grain Vs. Whole Wheat - What's The Best For You Part II

Here is an easy way of finding the healthiest breads and cereals that you can. Number one, look for the words WHOLE GRAIN. Look at the first two ingredients, if one those two do not say WHOLE GRAIN, put it back! Number 2, look for the FDA-approved health claim that reads "In a low fat diet, whole grain foods may reduce the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer". That sounds easy enough doesn't it. Now you have no more excuses when you are at the store. You can find healthy breads and cereals for you and your family.

Well, we know how to find whole grain foods, but even at that, there is still discrepancy between how much whole grain should be in the food to make it the healthiest. Look once again at the nutritional statement on the box. There are two things you really want to look for. Fiber grams and Sugar grams. High fiber, low sugar is the best bet. So, what is high fiber, what is low sugar? The FDA will usually only put their mark of approval on foods that are good or excellent sources of fiber. A good source of fiber has 6-10 grams of fiber per serving. An excellent source of fiber has 16 or more grams of fiber per serving. Using this as your guide, you need only to eat 3 servings of an excellent source of fiber, or 6 of the good sources of fiber. As far as sugar goes you should eat foods with 2 grams or less of sugar per serving. The more sugar in the servings, the less fiber that will be in it. The more fiber, the less sugar. Lets look at a new trend General Mills is coming up with. Take the new whole grain, low sugar Cinnamon Toast Crunch. We need to look at both boxes to compare this. Here is the regular cereals stats. 130 Calories, 10 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber. How about the new cereal, 120 calories, 2 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. General mills has done a pretty good job. If you have to eat cinnamon toast crunch, then this will be better than the original. But does it stack up to our new found knowledge? NO! There is hardly any fiber in this cereal to make it a good source of fiber. It would not be considered a good source, or an excellent source. They did manage to make it look better on paper however, or cardboard to be exact. How about one of those healthy cereals? Let's look at Kashi GoLean Crunch. It says seven whole grains, it has 190 calories per serving, 8 grams of fiber and 13 grams of sugar, it also contains 9 grams of protein. When looking at the nutritional facts on the box the first set of ingredients is, whole oats, whole long grain brown rice, whole rye, whole hard red winter wheat, whole triticale, whole buckwheat, whole barley, and sesame seeds. The second item is soy protein concentrate, and the third is evaporated cane juice, followed by brown rice syrup. So we are getting better on our choices here. Even with the high sugar content, which is all natural by the way, they do have whole grains, and multi-grains at that. I am not saying natural sugar is really much better for you , but at least it is not the refined white sugar that we see so often. These natural sugars will still affect your blood sugars, but will take a little longer than refined sugar. Put this cereal next to our new set of standards and how does it stack up? Well, we are doing good on fiber, the added protein is a good addition, sugar however is still above the recommended health benefit. Is it good for you? It is better than even the whole grain low sugar Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but you will need to decide if this is the best you can do.

So, with all this information what should we do? We should try to make the best choices available. If you are afraid that eating healthier will cause you to be slaving away in the kitchen you need to realize that there are so many products out there that are good for you and easy to fix. Take for example the Grinin Grains line. Home made batches of scone mix, pancake mix, waffle mixes, and cereal mixes. These are made in small batches using the whole grain and priding themselves on the healthiness of their product. Breads, cereals, pastas, and even baked goods are beginning to come around and make the change to provide a healthier food choice for your family. Shouldn't you try and do the same?

Linda Cramer is the owner of Oregon Gourmet Foods and Gifts. Come visit our site at http://www.oregongourmetfoods.com

[tags]whole wheat, whole grain, wheat breads, white breads, health[/tags]